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How to Apply for a Food Service License

How to Apply for a Food Service License

Do you plan on owning/operating a grocery store or convenience store?

If so, these types of facilities are regulated directly by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. You need to complete and submit a Michigan Food Establishment License Application.

Food Service Establishments

Food Service establishments, which include restaurants, cafeterias, delicatessens, mobile units, temporary food service establishments, and special transitory food units are licensed via local/county health departments who set their own fees. All new food service establishments use a single application form EXCEPT for temporary food service establishments, which use a form separate. Both forms may be found below.

Types of Food Service Establishments

Fixed

A fixed establishment is a facility that is a permanent location. This is an operation where food or drink is prepared for direct consumption through service on the premises or elsewhere, and any other eating or drinking establishment or operation where food is served or provided for the public.

Temporary

A temporary food service establishment means a food service establishment, which operates at a fixed location for a temporary period of time not to exceed 14 consecutive days. Temporary food service establishments use a different application then a fixed, mobile, or special transitory food unit food service establishments.

Mobile

A mobile food service establishment means a food service establishment operating from a vehicle, trailer, or watercraft that returns to a mobile food establishment commissary for servicing and maintenance at least once every 24 hours. The commissary license number must be recorded in the appropriate location on the application for it to be processed.

Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU)

An STFU is a temporary food establishment licensed to operate throughout the state without the 14-day limits or a mobile food establishment that is not required to return to a commissary.

Licensing

If you wish to license a fixed, temporary, mobile, or STFU food service establishment, contact the Local Health Department for the region in which your food service establishment will be located. You can find the appropriate applications below (but will need to contact appropriate LHD for fee information). Currently licensed fixed, mobile, and STFU facilities will receive a pre-printed renewal application form each spring. A new application form must be filled out for:

  • New establishments
  • Change of ownership
    • Food licenses are non-transferable and new ownership must submit application for new license.
  • Change in physical location of establishment
  • Change of license type

Instructions for Food Service License Application for Fixed, Mobile, or STFU

Download the Food Service License Application for Fixed, Mobile, STFU

  1. Click on the application link above and open the file using Adobe Acrobat Reader (if you don't already have it installed in your web browser) and print it out.

  2. Complete all applicable parts of Sections 1-6. Be sure to sign the application.

  3. You will need to contact the local health department that oversees the region your food service establishment will be operating for fees, methods of payment and means for sending in application and payment. Local Health Department Directory

  4. Applications and fee must be submitted 30 days prior to proposed opening date.

  5. For new establishments, the local health department will conduct a plan review as needed, and then conduct an on-site pre-opening inspection when the establishment is ready to operate.

Instructions for Temporary Food Service License Application

Download the Temporary Food Service License Application

  1. Click on the application link above and open the file using Adobe Acrobat Reader (if you don't already have it installed in your web browser) and print it out.

  2. Complete the applicable sections of the application, and complete Attachment A, if needed. Use Applying for and Safely Operating a Temporary Food Establishment License as guidance in completing application. Be sure to sign the application.

  3. You will need to contact the local health department that oversees the region your temporary food service establishment will be operating for fees, methods of payment and means for sending in application and payment. Submit completed application form along with the fee to appropriate local health department at least 30 days prior to the event. Local Health Department Directory

  4. Evaluation of your temporary food service establishment will be done by the health department.